It might explain why the former Liverpool star is so desperate for a return to England, possibly to Anfield.

The latest reports suggest he could come back to Anfield on loan and be closer to the family home in north Wales.

As speculation continues about Michael's future at Real Madrid, the family confirmed the happy news.

Michael told the ECHO: "We are both absolutely delighted with the news."

The secret was out when Louise was spotted shopping for baby clothes in a boutique in Chester last weekend. She admitted to curious shoppers she was pregnant.

One also saw the 25-year-old going into a nearby pram shop.

The couple, who married last June in a private ceremony in Chester, have a two-year-old daughter, Gemma Rose.

She was born on May 1, 2003, at the Countess of Chester hospital. Gemma weighed 6lb 8oz and her birth was said to bring the couple even closer together.

At that time Michael described the birth as an excitement unlike anything he had ever known, and even admitted to shedding a tear.

The owner of the shop in Chester, who did not want to be named, said that Louise went in on Saturday and browsed around the baby goods before picking out a selection of items, including first-size babygrows.

When questioned by staff she admitted she was buying the baby clothes for herself and that she was two months pregnant.

The owner said: "She came in the shop on Saturday with a few relatives.

"I knew it was her because she came in here to shop when she was pregnant last time, and I recognised her face.

"When I asked her who the baby clothes were for she told me that it was for her and that she was two months pregnant.

"She looked really well.

"I also saw her go into a pram shop down the road."

Real Madrid striker Michael and childhood sweetheart Louise, both 25, married on June 24. Their wedding ceremony was followed with a star studded blessing at their multi million pound north Wales mansion.

The blessing took place beneath a giant marquee in the grounds of the couple's home at Lower Soughton Hall.

Owen met Louise while they both were pupils at Hawarden high school.

They moved into their mansion in 2001.

Woman's editor Susan Lee says . . .

THE big debate over Michael and Louise Owen's new baby isn't whether it will be a boy or girl but just what accent the little one will have.

Will he or she speak Spanish? Or Mancunian? Or, as I suspect Michael hopes, Scouse?

Because although the former Kop idol is a highly paid - and highly respected - international footballer he comes across first and foremost a family man.

He plainly adores his wife and first child, Gemma Rose, and it's no secret that he's less than settled at Real Madrid.

A lot of his extended family are here and he retains the affection of the Anfield faithful.